Tennessee Volunteers’ top spring storylines

Youth continues to rise

Tennessee played over 20 true freshmen last season, many of which served vital roles. With a full season of experience and their first collegiate offseason under their belts, how much progress will these players show? Add in another top-ranked recruiting class filled with freshmen expecting to play this season and the Vols could once again feature several immediate impact performers. Will Tennessee feature a freshman All-American for the second season in a row?

Phil Sears-USA TODAY SportsPhil Sears

6

Finding a replacement for A.J. Johnson

The team struggled to account for Johnson's missing production following his suspension from the team. Now that his eligibility is exhausted, who mans the middle of the Orange Swarm? Likely candidates include Kenny Bynum, Jakob Johnson Dillon Bates and true freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr. With defensive standouts Curt Maggitt and Jalen Reeves-Maybin returning, the new Mike won't be expected to take a leadership role; he'll simply be asked to learn the defense and make the plays that come to him. Will that player emerge this spring?

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY SportsRandy Sartin

5

Injuries across the board

The Volunteers are down so many bodies that they plan to have separate practices, featuring mental reps and film study, held for players unable to physically participate this spring. With so many starters out, the spring opens the door for several backups to get critical reps that will develop their skills. LaTroy Lewis, Dimarya Mixon, Andrew Butcher, Shy Tuttle, Chris Weatherd, Dillon Bates and Cortez McDowell all look to be beneficiaries of extra playing time this spring.

Jim Brown-USA TODAY SportsJim Brown

4

Secondary taking a leap forward

All three of the team's most productive safeties return from last season and could feature a new starter this season if Todd Kelly Jr. continues to progress. Arguably the best player on the roster, Cam Sutton will be starting his third year at corner. Emmanuel Moseley started two games last season, so expect him to battle Evan Berry, Rashaan Gaulden, Malik Forman and Devaun Swafford for the other corner spot. If the pass rush continues to progress, this unit could easily lead the SEC in interceptions in 2015.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY SportsDale Zanine

3

Offensive adjustments under Mike DeBord

When Butch Jones tabbed DeBord as the team's new offensive coordinator, it left many fans scratching their heads. Jones appears to have decided not to rock the boat with this hire and chose comfort and familiarity over the unknown. What wisdom and expertise can the 59-year-old bring to a roster brimming with youth?

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY SportsRandy Sartin

2

Adjustments to the offensive line

Last season, Tennessee was forced to replace all five starters up front and the results were predictably disastrous early on. After Tennessee lost starting quarterback Justin Worley to injury, the line played significantly better in front of Joshua Dobbs. The line returns four starters from a season ago and with an offseason of conditioning, an influx of talent and DeBord's history of offensive line knowledge, it's conceivable the unit takes a major step forward this season.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsKevin Jairaj

1

Dobbs taking the next step

The team enters 2015 with an unquestioned starter at quarterback for the first time in the Butch Jones era. Dobbs provided a monumental spark for the team and propelled them to a 3-1 finish last season. With substantially greater pressure and expectations this season, how will Dobbs handle leading the team not only on the field but also in the locker room? If Astro Dobbs continues to progress and the team makes a run at the 2015 playoff, expect his name to be among the Heisman elite this season.